Characters of History Program returning for 4th Season at Niagara Falls State Parks

Niagara Falls, N.Y. - As Nik Wallenda walked the rope over Niagara Falls, figures from Niagara Falls History stood below, among the crowd, and watched in wonder as History was created before them. These figures included Annie Edson Taylor - the first person to go over the Falls in a Barrel and survive - as well as Inventor Nikola Tesla, Explorer Father Louis Hennepin and several others. "History watched history being made" commented Danielle Green, owner of Encounter Niagara Tours.
Interest in Niagara Falls surged due to Wallenda's walk, and as a result more people visited the State Parks in 2012 than ever before! Greeting many of these guests were the famed "Characters of History" - led by Ms. Taylor and Mr. Tesla - who brought the entire story to life for visitors and posed for countless photos that returned home and told the story of a vibrant and exciting encounter with Niagara Falls. "The Niagara Falls State Parks has been undergoing a wonderful facelift this Winter" states Green, "and we look forward to an exciting season enjoying a revitalized and visitor-friendly park surrounding our wonderful characters".
Commencing Memorial Day weekend, the Characters of History return to the Niagara Falls State Parks for a 4th season of delighting guests. Sponsored by the New York State Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (and their constituents) this program has been considered a rousing success and a wonderful way to bring the stories of Niagara "to life". Leading the team is Kathleen Ordiway as Annie Edson Taylor. Ms. Ordiway, a local Minister and Retreat Director, has patented a characterization for Ms. Taylor that "makes one willing to try the barrel" and is considered the most photographed person in Niagara Falls. "When I sway to illustrate the motions of my barrel ride" shares Ms. Ordiway, "I watch as people begin to sway with me, as if they are engrossed in the imagination of the stunt". Similar experiences are heard and felt from Nikola Tesla, Father Louis Hennepin and the delightful Celinda Eliza Whitney (one of the three sisters for whom "Three Sisters Islands" were named).
The Program is delivered by Encounter Niagara Tours and is offered Saturdays from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Additional service is added on Tuesdays and for other important dates during the summer season. Information about precise scheduling, hours and locations can be found at www.encounterniagara.com or on the Niagara Falls State Parks website - www.niagarafallsstatepark.com. Tour Operators can arrange for a no-cost greeting during hours of service for their Coach when it arrives at Niagara Falls by emailing info@encounterniagara.com
Media Enquiries can contact: Peter Green, Encounter Niagara Tours, 716-359-6170 or peter@encounterniagara.com
Photos Attached are cleared for publication:
1. Annie Edson Taylor enthralls a group of Parks guests with her tale of death-defying courage.
2. Father Louis Hennepin engages a group of Students and Parents with his recollections of Niagara in 1678
3. Celinda Eliza Whitney greets guests on the Island named for her